IJN
251st Kokutai
Jusin
Taylan 2003
Aircraft History
Built late February 1943 (estimated), the 44th Irving built by Nakajima.
Wartime History
Field modified at Vunakanau
Airfield, from the suggestion
of Commander Yasuna Kozono of the 251st Kokutai. This Irving was outfitted with a rear gun mount
for a sets of upward and downward firing 2 x 20mm cannons, for
use as a night
fighter. Abandoned at
Ballale Airfield aircraft dump area, only the rear fuselage
section is present.
References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 27 (middle right & lower)
The photo caption has a typo that lists it as 664.
In fact, Darby noted this wreck to be 644.
Thanks to Jim Long for this clarification.
Irving
